Ignition Event Research Articles

Numerical investigation of diesel spray combustion characteristics in the ammonia/air atmosphere

Ammonia/diesel dual-fuel combustion mode is a promising strategy for decarbonizing internal combustion engines. However, the impact of a premixed ammonia/air atmosphere on diesel spray combustion characteristics is not fully understood. This study analyzes the effects of premixed ammonia/air atmosphere, including premixed equivalence ratio, the cooling effect of liquid ammonia vaporization, and ambient oxygen concentration on the ignition and combustion characteristics and soot yield potential of diesel spray. Numerical simulations using n-heptane as a single-component diesel surrogate reveal that increasing the premixed ammonia equivalence ratio and lowering ambient oxygen concentration extend the ignition delay times and flame lift-off length of n-heptane spray. Liquid ammonia vaporization further prolongs the ignition delay by lowering the ambient temperature during n-heptane auto-ignition. Moreover, there is a trade-off between ignition delay and soot yield potential as longer ignition delays allow more thorough mixing of diesel and premixed gas, reducing soot formation. Given the substantial extension of ignition delay in ammonia/air atmospheres, it is recommended that ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engines operate with higher charged gas temperatures to ensure stable and repeatable ignition events. The negative effects of increased soot yield could be mitigated by using ammonia to reduce soot precursors. Overall, these results underline the need for further fundamental studies on ammonia/diesel co-combustion to facilitate the commercial adoption of ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engines.

Characterization of the hypergolic ignition of green fuels with hydrogen peroxide by drop test and jet impingement

This work presents an experimental study on the hypergolic behavior of variants of N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)/N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) system, named PAHyp 0, with 93 wt% hydrogen peroxide. Two different copper-based catalyst and one cobalt-based catalytic agent were dissolved in the fuels to trigger the pre-ignition reactions. When employing copper chloride dihydrate, the resultant fuel requires methanol (ternary system) as a stabilizing agent, whereas both carboxylic salts of copper and cobalt dissolved in TMEDA/DMEA deliver a stable formulation (binary system) without the need for any organic solvent. Shadowgraph high-speed imaging was used to capture the ignition process and pressure wave development of over 30 fuel samples in a modified drop test. An ignition/stability envelope was proposed to map the safe and unstable formulations. It was demonstrated that the concentration of TMEDA should be no more than 50% in the binary system, while the amount of methanol should fall within a concentration window of 33 to 50% in the ternary system. Lower loadings of catalyst, ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 wt%, are required to deliver stable fast-igniting fuels. Three promising formulations catalyzed with 1 wt% copper salts were selected to perform impinging jet fire experiments. Impinging jets yielded significantly lower ignition delay times than drop tests due to the better mixing conditions. However, it was verified that ignition may fail for low values of jet velocities, below 0.8 m/s, and for high jet velocities, exceeding 14 m/s. An attempt to explain the ignition and non-ignition events was made by using the fundamentals of explosion limits of the hydrogen/oxygen system and oxidation reactions at low temperature. Remarkably, ultra-fast ignitions of about 10 ms were measured by the impinging jet setup within near-optimal operational conditions. Therefore, TMEDA/DMEA-based fuels with reduced catalyst loadings (0.5–1.0 wt%) offer new opportunities in aerospace propulsion and should be further studied.

Ignition and combustion behavior of pressure treated wood and wood-plastic composite exposed to glowing firebrand piles: Impact of air flow velocity, firebrand coverage density and pile orientation

Pressure treated wood (PTW) and wood-plastic composite (Trex®) were exposed to glowing firebrand piles in a bench-scale wind tunnel. The air flow velocity was 0.9–2.7 m s−1, the firebrand coverage densities were 0.06 and 0.16 g cm−2, and the pile footprint was 5 × 10 cm2 with either the 10-cm or 5-cm sides perpendicular to the incident air flow. Several types of flaming ignition events were observed including flames attached to the substrate surface in front of the pile (preleading zone ignition), and flames attached to the pile that sometimes spread onto the substrate downstream of the pile (downstream ignition). The most frequent and long-lasting flaming combustion occurred in experiments performed at 2.4–2.7 m s−1 using 0.16 g cm−2 firebrand coverage density piles with 10-cm sides perpendicular to the air flow. Trex® was less prone to preleading zone ignition but was more prone to downstream ignition. Unlike Trex®, PTW exhibited a propensity for sustained smoldering for a wide range of air flows.

MILD combustion stabilization issues through the analysis of hysteresis behaviors: The case of new energy carriers

MILD combustion processes are renewed to reveal a strong resilience to extinction phenomena and/or instabilities, whereas the oxidation process is stabilized trough ignition phenomena. Under MILD conditions, igni-diffusive and/or perfectly mixed kernels, forming during the mixing process between hot products and fresh reactants, are so much diluted and pre-heated to escape classical feed-back flammable flames stabilization mechanisms, while ignition and extinction events merge in a unique condition through “anhysteretic” behaviors. So far, considering methane as reference fuel, it has been largely demonstrated the mentioned “anhysteretic” condition is very conservative and defines a sub-domain of MILD combustion processes, following Cavaliere and de Joannon's definition. Furthermore, the coincidence of ignition and extinction phenomena can occur also preserving hysteresis phenomena. In turns, this condition strongly enlarges the stabilization domain of MILD combustion processes, starting from the upper branch of the hysteresis behaviors to the real extinction, with characteristic unstable loci to consider as further/last opportunity to promote stable operative conditions through the formation of local thermo-kinetic conditions in the combustion chamber during hot products/fresh reactants mixing process (injection configuration/burner design), or by forced ignition events. The hysteresis behaviors of renewable/alternative fuels, relevant within the decarbonization policies of several energy sectors, are thoroughly discussed under MILD conditions through numerical studies in model reactors in order to shed light on common and/or different features, and outline practical rules towards the definition of stable MILD combustion domains. Results show that, as MILD combustion is a chemical kinetics-driven processes, stability issues have to be discussed in relation to fuel nature, albeit with common behavior can be derived. The coincidence between extinction/ignition phenomena is reached for extremely diluted conditions, already ascribable to MILD combustion conditions, thus defining a small sub-domain of the process. This condition can be reached through “hysteretic” or “anhysteretic” behaviors.

Numerical simulation of forced ventilation fire suppression for wing leading edge pool fires

In order to meet the requirements of the flammable liquid fire prevention regulations under AC25-863, which stipulates that in the event of ignition, the ignition and its harm of leaked flammable liquids should be minimized, this study investigates the impact on the aircraft structure and the suppression process of wing leading edge pool fires of flammable liquid leakage under forced ventilation fire suppression. Geometric modeling of the wing leading edge in the flammable liquid leakage area is performed, and the burning conditions of the flame under different conditions are simulated. The heat release rate per unit area of the pool fire surface is set to 396.67 kW/m, with ventilation speeds ranging from 0 to 3.1 m/s. Through the analysis of simulation charts and data, it is observed that as the forced ventilation rate increases, the pool fire gradually tends towards a trend of suppression

A newborn active galactic nucleus in a star-forming galaxy

Aims. We report on the finding of a newborn active galactic nucleus (AGN), based on the observation of current AGN activity in a galaxy previously classified as non-active. We subsequently characterize the AGN’s evolution. Methods. Black hole ignition event candidates were selected from a parent sample of spectrally classified non-active galaxies (2 394 312 objects), which currently show optical flux variability indicative of a type I AGN, according to the ALeRCE light curve classifier. A second epoch spectrum for a sample of candidate newborn AGNs was obtained with the SOAR telescope to search for new AGN features. Results. We present the spectral results for the most convincing case of new AGN activity for a galaxy with a prior star-forming optical classification, where the second epoch spectrum shows the appearance of prominent, broad Balmer lines, without any significant changes seen in the narrow line flux ratios. The long-term optical light curves show a steady increase in luminosity starting 1.5 years after the SDSS spectrum was taken and continuing for at least 7 years. Mid-infrared (MIR) colors from the WISE catalog have also evolved from typical non-active galaxy colors to AGN-like colors. Recent X-ray flux detections confirm its nature as an AGN.

Land and Atmosphere Precursors to Fuel Loading, Wildfire Ignition and Post‐Fire Recovery

AbstractLand surface‐atmosphere coupling and soil moisture memory are shown to combine into a distinct temporal pattern for wildfire incidents across the western United States. We investigate the dynamic interplay of observed soil moisture, vegetation water content, and atmospheric dryness in relation to fuel loading, fire ignition and post‐fire recovery. We find that positive soil moisture anomalies around 5 months before fire ignition increase biomass growth in the subsequent months, thereby shaping fire‐prone vegetation conditions. Then, concurrent decrease in soil moisture, vegetation dehydration, and atmospheric dryness collectively contribute to the occurrence of fire ignition events. This is followed by a rapid recovery in both soil and atmospheric moisture within several weeks after the fire incidents. Our findings provide insights into understanding of wildfire ignition dynamics, supporting fire modeling and enabling improved fire predictions, early warning systems, and mitigation strategies.

Evaluation of high-pressure syngas ignition under high-CO2 dilution in shock tubes

Due to its importance as a candidate fuel for power cycles for future energy production, there have been active efforts to improve our understanding of the chemical kinetics of the Allam-Fetvedt cycle that utilizes syngas highly diluted with CO2. Shock-tube ignition delay times (IDT) of syngas-CO2 mixtures over a range of pressures, syngas blends, and equivalence ratios are now available in the literature, but their unique behavior deserves further study before the resulting data can be used to modify existing syngas kinetics models. In this study, an analysis of CO2-diluted syngas ignition behind reflected shock waves was conducted at the High-Pressure Shock Tube facility at Texas A&M University using an endwall imaging system. A syngas blend of 1:1 H2:CO at an equivalence ratio of 1 was studied at pressures around 12 atm for CO2 dilutions of 85, 88, and 94 % by volume. The combined results of the high-speed OH* imaging through the endwall and OH* time histories from sidewall windows indicate that the initial ignition event appears to be homogeneous and occurs first near the endwall, with no apparent premature ignition or localized flame kernels. An important finding of this investigation is that the existing syngas-CO2 IDT data in the literature are likely free from shock-tube ignition inhomogeneities. Therefore, they can be used to improve existing chemical kinetics mechanisms, which currently have trouble modeling the existing literature data over the range of temperatures of the shock-tube studies (∼1000 – 1400 K). Additionally, the lack of a measured post-combustion pressure rise makes it necessary to use a constant-pressure-enthalpy constraint when modeling the shock-tube IDT event.

Analysis of pulse combustion processes and thermodynamic cycles in pulse combustors

This study explores the dynamic behavior of pulsating combustors during stable operation, examining pressure characteristics, flame dynamics, and thermodynamic cycles. Through analysis of pressure signal derivatives and high-speed photography, it unveils a distinctive counterclockwise thermodynamic cycle in these combustors, diverging from prior research. Crucial points in the combustion process, including zero-pressure points, valve timings, and flame ignition dynamics, were successfully identified. The research introduces a novel clockwise thermal cycle diagram based on ignition events and valve operations, providing real-time insights into combustion processes. Key findings include the identification of critical combustion process points, immediate flame ignition upon valve opening, and the introduction of an innovative thermal cycle diagram. The study's comprehensive approach, integrating pressure analysis, flame dynamics, and derivative curves, offers profound insights into the dynamics of pulsating combustors, furthering our understanding and providing avenues for optimization. Our comprehensive approach enhances the understanding of pulsating combustor dynamics and provides valuable insights for system improvement. The unconventional thermodynamic cycle underscores the novelty of our work. These findings are pivotal for enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions, emphasizing the significance of further research and development in this field.

Dynamics of skewness and kurtosis of dangerous environmental parameters in the event of fire

The object of this study is the dynamics of skewness and kurtosis of the selective distribution of dangerous parameters of the gas environment in the current time when materials are ignited. The theoretical substantiation of the methodology for determining the dynamics of skewness and kurtosis based on a sample of an arbitrary size of dangerous parameters of the gas medium moving in the current time of observation has been performed. Thresholds for current skewness and kurtosis are determined depending on sample size and null hypothesis significance levels. The procedure makes it possible to investigate the peculiarities of the dynamics of skewness and kurtosis and to identify moments of time for which alternative hypotheses (stability of parameter dynamics) are valid. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the dynamics of skewness and kurtosis in terms of carbon monoxide concentration, smoke density, and the temperature of the gas environment during the ignition of alcohol and textiles. The results indicate that the investigated dangerous parameters are generally not Gaussian in the observation interval. It was found that the nature of the dynamics of measures of the current sample distributions of dangerous parameters depends on the type of ignition material and the dangerous parameter. It was established that in the absence of ignition, the dynamics of skewness and kurtosis of dangerous parameters is characterized by different directional skewness and kurtosis. In the event of ignition, the dynamics of skewness and kurtosis are fluctuating (from –4 to 18), which indicates the instability of the development of the dangerous parameter over time. The specified procedure creates an opportunity to detect the instability of the development of a dangerous parameter, which in practice makes it possible to detect the occurrence of fires (with a given reliability) in order to eliminate them and prevent the occurrence of a fire

Hypergolic ignition response to oxidizer droplet properties

The hypergolic ignition response to oxidizer droplet properties is an important consideration for oxidizer injector design in hybrid rocket motors. Hence, the present work focused on hypergolic ignition characterization as a function of droplet properties and impact dynamics for a promising propellant. The propellant for the present work consisted of rocket grade hydrogen peroxide (RGHP) as oxidizer, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as fuel and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as the hypergolic additive embedded in the HDPE matrix. This propellant was chosen for this detailed study since it showed promising results in prior studies, exhibiting low (<10 ms) ignition delays. For this work, in a drop-test setup, RGHP droplet diameters between 1.90±0.11 mm and 4.35±0.26 mm were dropped on the HDPE + NaBH4 fuel samples at velocities between 0.3 m/s to 1.93 m/s. The ensuing ignition event was studied using both visible and infrared high-speed imaging. Post-impact droplet parameters were determined to enable a deeper analysis of observed phenomena. While ignition delay was the focus of this work, flame spread areas and heat release were also studied. Higher impact velocities generally led to lower ignition delays while splashing oxidizer drops increased probability of larger flame areas and higher heat release. Additionally, the initial ignition/heat release event was found to originate in a small region at the thinnest area of the post-impact droplet. Surface temperature measurements were also performed using infrared imaging. The data suggested that the initial heat release was found to be likely due to RGHP-NaBH4 reaction with no contribution from RGHP decomposition. Regression and random forest machine learning analysis found ignition delay depended strongly on the minimum post-impact drop layer thickness. Based on the data analysis, a simple mathematical model was developed whose results matched experimentally observed trends. The study is expected to further understanding of the processes that control hypergolic ignition in addition to aiding rocket engineers design better oxidizer feed systems. Novelty and SignificanceThis work constitutes a novel in-depth study on the influence of drop impact properties on hypergolic ignition. Using innovative techniques, this work is the first to show the overwhelming importance of residual droplet layer thickness on ignition delay. Additionally, a simple mathematical model based on that finding performed well against experimental data which is of substantial significance, given the complex and multi-parametric nature of hypergolic ignition. Finally, the work establishes that operating in the splashing regime enhances heat release and flame spread. The candidate propellant for this work was hydrogen peroxide and high-density polyethylene with embedded NaBH4. However, the findings of this study are likely generalizable over a range of solid-liquid hypergolic propellants involving solid fuels with embedded energetic materials, of which there are many. The findings of this work can enhance understanding of hypergolic ignition in addition to aiding in better rocket injection system design.

Refining Fire–Climate Relationship Methodologies: Southern California

Efforts to delineate the influence of atmospheric variability on regional wildfire activity have previously been complicated by the stochastic occurrence of ignition and large fire events, particularly for Southern California, where anthropogenic modulation of the fire regime is extensive. Traditional metrics of wildfire activity inherently contain this stochasticity, likely weakening regional fire–climate relationships. To resolve this complication, we first develop a new method of quantifying regional wildfire activity that aims to more clearly capture the atmospheric fire regime component by aggregating four metrics of fire activity into an annual index value, the Annual Fire Severity Index (AFSI), for the 27-year period of 1992–2018. We then decompose the AFSI into trend and oscillatory components using singular spectrum analysis (SSA) and relate each component to a set of five climate predictors known to modulate macroscale fire activity in Southern California. These include the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Santa Ana wind (SAW) events, and marine layer frequency. The results indicate that SSA effectively isolates the individual influence of each predictor on AFSI quantified by generally moderate fire–climate correlations, |r|&gt;0.4, over the full study period, and |r|&gt;0.5 over select 13–15-year periods. A transition between weaker and stronger fire–climate relationships for each of the oscillatory PC–predictor pairs is centered around the mid-2000s, suggesting a significant shift in fire–climate variability at this time. Our approach of aggregating and decomposing a fire activity index yields a straightforward methodology to identify the individual influence of climatic predictors on macroscale fire activity even in fire regimes heavily modified by anthropogenic influence.

Fusion of Remotely-Sensed Fire-Related Indices for Wildfire Prediction through the Contribution of Artificial Intelligence

Wildfires are a natural phenomenon, which nowadays, due to the synergistic effect of increased human intervention and the escalation of climate change, are displaying an ever-increasing intensity and frequency. The underlying mechanisms present increased complexity, with the phenomenon itself being characterized by a significant degree of stochasticity. For the above reasons, machine learning models and neural networks are being implemented. In the current study, two types of neural networks are implemented, namely, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Radial Basis Function Networks (RBF). These neural networks utilize information from the Fire Weather Index (FWI), Fosberg Fire Weather Index (FFWI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), aiming to predict ignitions in a region of Greece. All indices have been developed through the Google Earth Engine platform (GEE). In addition, a new index is proposed named “Vegetation-Enhanced FWI” (FWIveg) in order to enhance the FWI with vegetation information from the NDVI. To increase the robustness of the methodology, a genetic algorithm-based approach was used in order to obtain algorithms for the calculation of the new index. Finally, an artificial neural network was implemented in order to predict the Mati wildfire in Attica, Greece (23 July 2018) by applying the new index FWIveg, aiming to assess both the effectiveness of the new index as well as the ability to predict ignition events using neural networks. Results highlight the effectiveness of the two indices in providing joint information for fire prediction through artificial intelligence-based approaches.

An improved passive scalar model for hydrogen hazardous ignition prediction

With an increasing interest in hydrogen as an alternative fuel for transportation, there is a need to develop tools for the prediction of ignition events. A cost-effective passive scalar formulation has been recently developed to predict hydrogen auto-ignition. A single scalar advection-diffusion-reaction equation is used to reproduce the chain-branched ignition process, where the scalar represents the radical pool responsible of ignition (H, O, OH, HO2, H2O2). The scalar reaction rate is analytically deduced from the Jacobian matrix associated to hydrogen ignition chemistry. This method was found to reproduce with good accuracy the ignition delays obtained by detailed chemistry for temperature where the branching is the leading process. For temperature close or below the crossover temperature, where other phenomenon such as the thermal runaway are important, the scalar approach fails to predict correctly ignition events. Thus, an extension of the scalar source term formulation is proposed to extend its validity over the entire temperature range. In addition, a simple way to approximate the diffusion properties of the scalar is introduced: the radical pool composition may vary drastically, with molecules having very different diffusion properties (e.g. H and HO2). The complete modified framework is presented and its capability is assessed in canonical scenarios and more complex simulations relevant to hydrogen safety.

Ignition detection with the breakdown voltage measurement during nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharges

Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed Discharge (NRPD) is a promising ignition concept for introducing diesel-like process parameters for hard-to-ignite renewable fuels in Spark Ignition (SI) engines. Knowing whether an ignition event initiated by a series of nanosecond electrical discharges was successful or not gives the possibility of using this information for closed-loop ignition control. This paper presents a methodology for detecting successful ignition under NRPD ignition.After a nanosecond discharge, the heat loss from the particles (plasma-gas) between the electrodes and the surrounding gas is different if a robust flame kernel is established. If a flame kernel is present, the heat losses are lower, resulting in a lower local density of the gas between the electrodes. The breakdown voltage value of a nanosecond pulse is proportional to the local density. A control pulse is applied after the main ignition sequence to detect successful ignition. Lower breakdown voltages of the control pulse are present if a robust early flame kernel is present. The control pulse is applied before the pressure rises due to the presence of fast combustion, allowing ignition to be detected during the inflammation phase, thus allowing the possibility to place additional ignition events, if necessary.This technique was experimentally analyzed in a Constant Volume ignition Cell (CVC) and in a Rapid Compression Expansion Machine (RCEM). In the CVC at the ignitability limit, lower breakdown voltages of the control pulse are mostly measured when no pressure rise is measured. In the RCEM, the heat release rate is analyzed with a two-zone thermodynamic model, and the early flame kernel formation is monitored with Schlieren imaging. Some overlap exists in the control pulses' breakdown voltages for the ignition and quenching experiments; nevertheless, the Schlieren videos outline that the overlapping cases have a similar flame kernel formation, and the difference arises thereafter.

An investigation of the reaction of metallic uranium with oxygen/nitrogen gas mixtures

The effects of variations in oxygen content as a mixed oxygen/nitrogen gas on the exothermic reaction of uranium were investigated in this work. Samples of metallic uranium with various specific surface areas and masses were reacted in a thermogravimetric analysis system at temperatures ranging between 323 K and 1273 K using gas mixtures 10%, 5%, 1%, or 0.5% oxygen in nitrogen. From the results it was concluded that the minimum oxygen content necessary for the onset of ignition is correlated to the specific surface area of the metallic uranium. The higher the specific surface area, the lower the percentage of oxygen is needed to trigger an ignition event. Within the experimental parameters evaluated here, ignition does not appear to occur for any specific surface area investigated below 1% oxygen content.

High-speed formaldehyde planar laser-induced fluorescence and schlieren to assess influences of injection pressure and oxygen concentration on Spray A flames

The present study investigates the effect of injection pressure and ambient oxygen concentration variations on the Engine Combustion Network Spray A flame. The two-stage ignition and combustion processes for individual injections are characterized using a high-speed planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and schlieren imaging diagnostic at high pressure (near 6 MPa). For PLIF measurements, we use a pulse-burst-mode Nd:YAG laser capable of producing a 6 ms long 355-nm pulse-train with 300 pulses at 70 mJ/pulse, separated by 20 µs. The PLIF imaging at high-acquisition rate offers unique insights into understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of formaldehyde (CH2O) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). High-speed line-of-sight schlieren with a pulsed infrared light emitting diode (LED) is applied simultaneously with PLIF to visualize the spray penetration, low- and high-temperature ignition, and turbulent flame dynamics, while in-vessel pressure is used in concert with the optical diagnostics to assess the ignition delay time of the high-temperature ignition events. The PLIF and line-of-sight measurements, documenting the position and timing for formation and consumption of CH2O and the inception and distribution of PAH downstream with changes in ambient oxygen concentration and injection pressure, provide a unique database for detailed evaluation of single-event (e.g. LES) or ensemble-average CFD.

DNS study on reactivity stratification with prechamber H[formula omitted]/air turbulent jet flame to enhance NH[formula omitted]/air combustion in gas engines

The present study investigates turbulent flame dynamics and pollutant emission characteristics in a prechamber/main chamber system. A H2/air turbulent jet flame issued from the prechamber penetrates into the NH3/air mixture found in the main chamber. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that this configuration is very promising for future NH3 combustion in gas engines. In the present work, 3D direct numerical simulations (DNS) with detailed chemistry have been carried out in the above configuration. The dynamics of the turbulent premixed flame in the prechamber (flame thickness, flame propagation speed) and the structure of the turbulent stratified flame in the main chamber are investigated. It is found that the stratified flame thickness is becoming thicker as the flame propagates within the NH3/air mixture. The flame displacement speed is slowing down in a first phase, before becoming faster again after jet-induced turbulence starts to decay. A chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA) has been done to distinguish between ignition, flame propagation, and local extinction events both for the premixed flame in the prechamber and the stratified flame in the main chamber. The temporal evolution of the identified modes are consistent with the flame dynamics and help to explain the later increase in flame displacement speed. NO emission characteristics in the main chamber have also been investigated. The NO production speed first increases, reaches a plateau, before being reduced during later flame propagation; stratification is important to explain the NO emission characteristics. Compared to the laminar NH3/air flame, the NO production speed is obviously larger in the present configuration, mainly due to the reduced contribution of the NO destruction reactions in the fuel pathway. Compared to premixed NH3/H2/air flames with H2 volume ratios found in practical systems (typically ≥ 0.4), the NO production speed is lower in the present configuration, demonstrating its superiority for practical applications. Finally, conventional heat release rate (HRR) markers are evaluated for the stratified flame. They approximate quite well the general structure of the flame front, but lead to noticeable quantitative errors.

FEATURES OF FIRE IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS

The purpose of the study is to reveal the characteristics of combustion and hazards arising from fires and traffic accidents involving FCEVs, which will create the basis for new approaches to responding to such events, as well as safe working conditions for rescuers. Description of the material. In general, the fire hazards associated with the use of FCEVs can be divided into the hazards associated with accidental hydrogen leakage and electric shock. Hazards associated with hydrogen arise from the depressurization of mains, which leads to the accidental release of hydrogen into the environment. The release of hydrogen can be long-term or instantaneous as a result of an explosion. Let's analyze the hydrogen supply system used in the FCEV. In general, it can be divided into the hydrogen storage subsystem, the supply subsystem to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell subsystem itself. The hydrogen supply subsystem to the fuel cell carries a greater fire hazard than the fuel cell subsystem. When the line is depressurized, the mechanism for covering the supply of hydrogen from the tank is activated, and the leak stops. However, in the event of ignition, the hydrogen contained in the lines will be sufficient to become a source of ignition for other materials of the vehicle. The hydrogen storage system carries the greatest fire hazard. To prevent an explosion due to heating of a hydrogen cylinder, a pressure valve is used, which is triggered by a thermal sensor when the temperature exceeds 90 ºС. Accidental handling of hydrogen can be accompanied by combustion. And with a faulty attitude valve, the worst situation from the point of view of fire danger can occur - an explosion. Usually, the pressure release valve is placed under the bottom of the car perpendicularly down, or at an angle of 45º. With a hole diameter of 4.2 mm and a hydrogen pressure of 70 MPa, the length of the flame torch when hydrogen leaks in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the earth will be 6.4 m when it leaks at an angle of 45º - 8.8 m, and under the condition of unobstructed combustion, i.e. the car overturned - 10.2 m. When the diameter of the opening increases, the length of the flame torch increases. The heat flow, which is formed due to the burning of hydrogen coming out of the car tank, can be 20 kW/m2 or more at a distance of 2-3 meters from the point of emission. With a heat flow of 1.6 kW/m2, during long-term exposure, there are no painful effects. When the heat flow increases to 4-5 kW/m2, a person who has no means of protection will get a 1st degree burn in 20 seconds; under the action of a heat flow of 9.5 kW/m2, a 2nd degree burn is formed after 20 seconds; 12.5-15 kW/m2 of heat radiation causes a 3rd degree burn. The most dangerous event that can happen for safety reasons is an explosion of a hydrogen tank. Scientists Koshkarov and Molkov investigated the dangerous distances due to the explosion of a hydrogen cylinder. Therefore, in the case of an explosion of a hydrogen cylinder with a volume of 100 l at a pressure of 70 MPa, lethal consequences occur at a distance of up to 8 m, and the zone of severe and medium injuries reaches up to 28 m. The safe distance for such a case is more than 100 m. It is obvious that from the increase pressure and volume of the balloon and such distance increases. Keywords: electric vehicle, hydrogen fuel cell, fire hazard of electric vehicles.

Discovery of the luminous X-ray ignition eRASSt J234402.9−352640

In November 2020, a new, bright object, eRASSt J234402.9−352640, was discovered in the second all-sky survey of SRG/eROSITA. The object brightened by a factor of at least 150 in 0.2–2.0 keV flux compared to an upper limit found six months previous, reaching an observed peak of 1.76−0.24+0.03 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1. The X-ray ignition is associated with a galaxy at z = 0.10, making the peak luminosity log10(L0.2−2 keV/[erg s−1]) = 44.7 ± 0.1. Around the time of the rise in X-ray flux, the nucleus of the galaxy brightened by approximately 3 mag. in optical photometry, after correcting for the host contribution. We present X-ray follow-up data from Swift, XMM-Newton, and NICER, which reveal a very soft spectrum as well as strong 0.2–2.0 keV flux variability on multiple timescales. Optical spectra taken in the weeks after the ignition event show a blue continuum with broad, asymmetric Balmer emission lines, and high-ionisation ([OIII]λλ4959,5007) and low-ionisation ([NII]λ6585, [SII]λλ6716,6731) narrow emission lines. Following the peak in the optical light curve, the X-ray, UV, and optical photometry all show a rapid decline. The X-ray light curve shows a decrease in luminosity of ∼0.45 over 33 days and the UV shows a drop of ∼0.35 over the same period. eRASSt J234402.9−352640 also shows a brightening in the mid-infrared, likely powered by a dust echo of the luminous ignition. We find no evidence in Fermi-LAT γ-ray data for jet-like emission. The event displays characteristics of a tidal disruption event (TDE) as well as of an active galactic nucleus (AGN), complicating the classification of this transient. Based on the softness of the X-ray spectrum, the presence of high-ionisation optical emission lines, and the likely infrared echo, we find that a TDE within a turned-off AGN best matches our observations.